Six Charged in Nationwide Drug Trafficking Crackdown

Police across the country have stepped up their crackdown on illegal drugs, and tonight, that intensified effort is yielding results.  Over the past week alone, six individuals have been arrested and formally charged for drug trafficking offenses in a series of operations carried out in multiple jurisdictions, including San Ignacio Town, Belize City, and Belmopan.  Authorities say the arrests come amid a sustained nationwide push to dismantle drug networks, following several recent high-profile seizures of both cocaine and cannabis. Police have disclosed the full identities of all six accused but confirm that the charges stem from separate operations conducted over the course of the past seven days.  ASP Stacy Smith shared the following details in these arrests.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “Police have formally arrested and charged six persons who are believed to be peddlers of crack cocaine for the offense of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply more commonly known as drug trafficking as a consequence of several operations that were conducted countrywide over the past week. Edi Hernandez of San Ignacio was charged or possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply in relation to 4.66 grams of cocaine. Joshua Burns of Cotton Tree in relation to 2.8 grams of cocaine. Stefan Hyde and Jianie Wade of San Pedro for 2.8 grams of cocaine. Gilram Mejia of Belmopan City she was charged for two counts in relation to 1.25 grams of crack cocaine and 5.5 grams of crack cocaine as well as Burton Garoy of Belize City who was also charged for two counts in relation to 28.7 grams of cocaine and 90.9 grams of crack cocaine.”

Investigators report that the cases involve varying quantities of suspected narcotics, with evidence gathered during targeted searches, vehicle stops, and intelligence-led operations./